The 5S of house-keeping

This is a Japanese concept which denotes seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.

The English versions are sorting, straightening, systematic cleaning, standardizing, and sustaining. At times, another S. safety is included.

Briefly, the implications are:

• Sorting: Eliminate things which are non-essential. Keep only those things which are necessary.
• Straightening: Set things in order in such a way that it is easily accessible.
• Systematic cleaning: Tidiness, cleanliness are the rules of the game.
• Standardizing: Consistency should be maintained so everyone observes the first 3S's through awareness of responsibilities.
• Sustaining: Prevent rollback to old ways;even think of better ways

The sixth S refers to workplace safety.

5S principle is observed by companies through signs and posters which help to educate employees on the 5S's.

Contributed By:
Prof. D. P. Chattopadhyay
(Globsyn Business School)